Valley of Fire State Park

With some of the most stunning scenery in the Mojave Desert, the Valley of Fire State Park is a popular escape from nearby Las Vegas. Guided hikes are a popular option, as well as photography tours, buggy or ATV tours, and helicopter tours, for a bird’s-eye view of both the Valley of Fire and the Grand Canyon West Rim. Couples planning a wedding can arrange to say their vows amid the fiery rock formations of this state park.

• This site is a must-see for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure travelers.

• Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven ground.

• The park provides little shade, so don’t forget to bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water.

• Most tours from Las Vegas last 4–8 hours.

The Valley of Fire is in the Mojave Desert, 58 miles (93 kilometers) from the Las Vegas Strip. The most convenient way to visit is on a guided tour offering hotel pickup, but you can drive yourself by taking I-35 North to the Valley of Fire/Lake Mead exit.

The Valley of Fire is open sunrise to sunset. Those who wish to stay overnight can do so at one of two campgrounds. For hiking and other outdoor activities, the mild weather between November through March is ideal; in the summer, when temperatures can top 100°F (38°C), it’s best to tour the park by air-conditioned car instead.

While you’re visiting the Valley of Fire, consider a side trip to one of the nearby sights. The park is adjacent to Lake Mead, which has plenty of recreational options on water and land. Just northwest of the park lies the town of Overton, where it’s possible to fill up on gas, grab some food, or visit the Lost City Museum, an archaeological museum devoted to local sites that were excavated in the 1920s and '30s.

Yes, Valley of Fire State Park is absolutely worth visiting. Not only is it Nevada’s first state park—and one of its most popular—it’s less than an hour from Vegas. And if you can go early on a weekday when the crowds are smaller, you’ll find a red-rock wonderland full of petroglyphs and desert scenery that’s hard to beat.

While a full day will give you the chance to hike out on the trails and grab a picnic and some solitude, if you only have a few hours, it’s still worth visiting. The two main roads through the park offer plenty of parking and views, making a scenic drive (with some leg stretching) an excellent way to spend a morning or afternoon.

You can turn your trip to Valley of Fire State Park into a day trip pretty easily—stop by the Las Vegas Motor Speedway on your way out of town, witness the Nellis Dunes, tour the Lost City Museum, or make it a full outdoorsy day with a stop at Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is undoubtedly cool and closer to Las Vegas than Valley of Fire State Park. That said, most people think Valley of Fire is worth the longer trip—it’s more diverse, with thousands of petroglyphs, rock arches, slot canyons, and more.

If you’re speeding through Valley of Fire State Park, it won’t take long—the main road is around 10 miles (16 kilometers) long. But, naturally, you’ll want to stop and take in the views, maybe go on a hike, or pause for a picnic. If you want to take a leisurely scenic drive, allow 2–3 hours for your trip.

No, you cannot take rocks from Valley of Fire State Park—the park authorities are very clear on that. You also can’t take plants, animals, fossils, or anything else. Like anywhere on public lands, take only photographs, leave only footprints. These are vulnerable areas, and they deserve all visitors’ respect and care.